When I was a kid and had nightmares often, I would wake up in the middle of the night in a fit of fear. I had to make sure I would stay awake just long enough that I wouldn't go back into the same nightmare again when I went back to sleep. It wasn't just possible, it was common

I feel the same, although it does feel different. It's almost as if I have more control because I know what's going on now. It's like the stage in between sleep and being awake.

Also, I have found I have the wildest dreams after waking up halfway through the night then going back to bed.

I've only had that happen when the being awake state was barely awake. I've not had it happen if I'm fully awake, try to go back to sleep, and want to resume the dream.